Customs brokers and freight forwarders who have cargoes to clear with Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) port pass can access Lagos ports during the two weeks Covid19 restriction order by Presdent Muhammadu Buhari.

President of the Association of Nigeria Licenced Customs Agents (ANLCA), Iju Tony Nwabunike and spokesman for NPA , Adams Jatto confirmed this to our reporter.

Nwabunike who disclosed this in a statement to customs brokers, said only persons with port pass who have cargoes to clear should approach the ports.

Nwabunike in the statement also urged truck and haulage operators to abide by the call up system to avoid traffic along port access roads

He wrote in his message that “The NPA has confirmed that our operation and activities is among essential services in Lagos ports.

“As you are aware before now, Comptroller General of Customs has directed full customs personnel presence. Implication is that necessary formalities for processing and clearance of cargoes from customs ports are unhindered.

“It is imperative to reiterate and advise, once again, that only customs brokers, freight forwarders and haulage operators who have jobs on the ground that should approach the ports this period of restriction.

“Any of these port operators visiting the ports should have their company identity cards and NPA port pass.

“I wish to also advise truck operators to adhere to the existing orderly call up system.

“Don’t forget to abide by all health advise as postulated by National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) including washing of hands, usage of gloves, application of hand sanitisers and maintaining social distancing this period and beyond.Please be Safe and alive to work tomorrow” he said

Speaking to our reporter in a short telephone interview, Jatto said customs brokers and freight forwarders are essential service providers in the ports and will only be allowed when they have immediate jobs to do.

President Buhari had said in paragraph 42 of his nationwide address yesterday that “All seaports in Lagos shall remain operational in accordance with the guidelines I issued earlier. Vehicles and drivers conveying essential cargoes from these Ports to other parts of the country will be screened thoroughly before departure by the Ports Health Authority”

The Federal Government had earlier last week approved that only cargo laden vessels that have been at sea for at least two weeks will be allowed to berth in the country.

The government gave exemption to oil and gas vessels because their crew members do not necessarily interact with port workers.